Where to Go in Peru

Peru is one of the most compelling destinations in South America. Not only is it among the safest and easiest countries in the region for travel, but it is also blessed with a diverse range of attractions to appeal to all tastes. From ancient archaeological ruins to world-class hiking opportunities and dense jungles teeming with wildlife to sophisticated city-dining, Peru truly has something for everyone.Here are the 15 best attractions in Peru that should not be missed, in no particular order.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is best known to the world as the home of Peru’s pre-eminent tourist attraction, Machu Picchu. Many visitors head straight there without stopping to investigate the surrounding region. However, travellers with time to devote to a more thorough investigation of the ancient heart of the Incan Empire have the chance to discover many wonders seen by far fewer outsiders.The Sacred Valley was incorporated early into the expanding Incan Empire and with its relatively low altitude and benign climate, it soon became an important agricultural area for the Inca. The Valley also controlled access to the lowland jungles from where fresh fruit and other products flowed into Cusco. The Valley’s fertility, as well as its strategic importance and proximity to the capital, meant that the surrounding area was soon endowed with many important monuments, towns and fortifications, the ruins of which still exist today. The attractions of the Sacred Valley are not restricted to ruins, though, and many other places of interest, varied adventure activities and a thriving local culture await those willing to linger and explore.

Home to the world-renowned Inca Trail and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Peru has a rich culture and history that is as complex as the intricate weaving of Andean textiles. The South American country has it all, from awe-inspiring landscapes and lost civilizations to vibrant festivals marking old-world rites and out-of-this-world cuisine. Ancient sites like the massive pre-Columbian ruins of Chan Chan Kuélap reflect bygone eras, while the beautiful ‘White City’ of Arequipa boasts breathtaking Baroque architecture. And if you are looking for adventure, there is a wide array of things to do in Peru, from white-water rafting on glacier-fed rivers and paragliding over the Amazon rainforest to trekking along the world-renowned Inca Trail. Deciding where to go beyond the mystical Nazca Lines and the colonial charm of Cusco can be daunting. To simplify your journey, here is our list of the top 10 places to visit on a Peru tour.